Glia and the Synapse: Plasticity and Disease

Call for Papers

Recent years have provided outstanding progress in our knowledge of multiple and diverse functions of glial cells in the central nervous system. In particular, new insights into glia’s role at the synaptic level are revolutionizing our understanding of synaptic physiology and pathology. Indeed, glial cells are in close partnership with synapses and participate in synapse formation, function, and plasticity. Growing experimental evidence indicates that glia can sense neuronal activity, process information, and communicate back to neurons through a wide range of molecules including gliotransmitters, energy substrates, and various secreted factors. Glia are implicated in the development and refinement of neuronal connections and show dynamic structural plasticity of their processes. Moreover, compromised integrity of neuronal glial communication and glial function results in developmental disorders, neuropathology, and disease. Although much data has been accumulated in the field, significant questions remain regarding the role of glial cells in CNS development, function, and disease. Ongoing research is required to add to our understanding of the cellular and the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal glial interactions and will help to gain new insights essential for the future clinical applications.

This special issue will focus on all aspects of glia-synapse interactions under conditions of development, plasticity, and disease. We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that summarize the state of knowledge in the field. Potential topics include, but are not limited to: